Team above everything: Rohit led India to Champions Trophy glory while nursing a hamstring injury

Rohit Sharma was carrying a hamstring injury throughout the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year — a tournament India eventually won under his leadership. Despite the physical setback, Rohit guided the team to a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final, adding yet another ICC title to his decorated career.

The Champions Trophy triumph came soon after India's successful campaign in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, following which Rohit announced his retirement from T20 Internationals. He later confirmed his retirement from Test cricket ahead of the England tour, signalling the end of a golden chapter in Indian cricket.

Rohit leaves behind a legacy defined by poise under pressure and a consistent track record of leadership success. In addition to leading India to the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy titles, he was also part of India’s victorious squads in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy as a player.

On the domestic front, Rohit’s contributions are equally significant. As captain of the Mumbai Indians, he led the franchise to five Indian Premier League (IPL) titles — a record that solidified his reputation as one of the most astute and successful leaders in the modern era.

Paranjape Reflects on Rohit’s Retirement and Injury Struggles

Former India selector Jatin Paranjape later revealed that Rohit had been battling a hamstring injury for several months. “He was struggling with a hamstring issue for the past four or five months and didn’t get much rest. Despite that, he kept pushing on and led the team admirably,” Paranjape shared.

Reflecting on Rohit’s retirement, Paranjape expressed that the veteran opener still had more to offer. “He could have — he should have — played a little longer. I genuinely thought he had another couple of years left. He was batting beautifully. Even when he scored 10 or 15 runs, that hook shot — his signature — always stood out. It was just incredible to watch,” he added.

Rohit Sharma’s departure from the longer and shorter format of the game marks the end of an era — one shaped by skill, resilience, and a relentless drive to win for India.